Physician Investigator (Cl) Cardiovascular Research Center, Mass General Research Institute

Associate Professor of Medicine Harvard Medical School

Associate Member Broad Institute

MD University of Michigan Medical School 2002

anticoagulants; atrial fibrillation; defibrillators implantable; disease risk; electronic health records; genetic predisposition to disease; heart conduction system; heart failure; individualized medicine; machine learning; mass screening; mobile health; stroke; sudden cardiac death

Cardiac arrhythmias are a leading cause of morbidity and sudden death, and collectively constitute a substantial public health problem. We are focused on understanding the causes of cardiac arrhythmias and applying discoveries to improve outcomes in patients with these conditions. Our research spans disciplines involving human genetics, risk prediction modeling, and clinical trials. Several areas of active investigation include:

Determining the genetic basis of cardiovascular diseases: Using genotyping and sequencing techniques, we aim to determine genetic factors that underlie cardiovascular disease with an emphasis on atrial fibrillation and arrhythmias associated with sudden cardiac arrest, including the long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, arrhythmogenic ventricular cardiomyopathy, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, dilated cardiomyopathy, left ventricular noncompaction, and others.

Assessing risk of cardiovascular disease: We are applying biostatistical approaches to large datasets to understand who is at risk for developing disease and related morbidity. Our approaches leverage electronic health record data, machine learning, and decision analytic modeling. We focus on generating clinically relevant insights and predictions.

Improving outcomes: We conduct pragmatic clinical trials to assess whether specific risk stratification and treatment approaches can improve health outcomes. A major area of interest is on addressing whether screening for atrial fibrillation can prevent strokes.